Officials in Dominica said the hurricane left 27 people dead and more than 50 people missing. About 90% of the structures on the island have been either damaged or destroyed.

Amid severe shortages of food and water, the number of thefts across the capital city of Roseau began to rise, prompting the government to impose a nationwide curfew from 4pm to 8am.

Days later, things are slowly improving, said Da Silva. The fallen trees and landslides that had clogged roads – hampering the delivery of aid – are being cleared, while power has been restored to critical buildings such as the hospital. In the capital city, a few pharmacies and banks have managed to open this week.

But much remains to be done. Many parts of the island still lack electricity and running water, while destroyed bridges and washed-out river valleys have left rescuers unable to reach the island’s more remote communities.

“With food, water, telecommunications and access cut off since 18 September, the situation in Dominica is growing more difficult every day,” Joel Millman of the International Organization for Migration told reporters this week.

Assistance has poured in from around the world, enabling authorities to distribute nearly 200,000 litres of water, along with 5,000 tarpaulins and 17 tons of high energy biscuits.

But more is needed, said Chamberlain Emmanuel of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States. “Whatever is coming is consumed quickly,” he said, pointing to the fact that almost every store on the island remains shuttered. “So they’re really at the mercy of aid.”

Officials in Dominica said the hurricane left 27 people dead and more than 50 people missing. About 90% of the structures on the island have been either damaged or destroyed.

Amid severe shortages of food and water, the number of thefts across the capital city of Roseau began to rise, prompting the government to impose a nationwide curfew from 4pm to 8am.

Days later, things are slowly improving, said Da Silva. The fallen trees and landslides that had clogged roads – hampering the delivery of aid – are being cleared, while power has been restored to critical buildings such as the hospital. In the capital city, a few pharmacies and banks have managed to open this week.

But much remains to be done. Many parts of the island still lack electricity and running water, while destroyed bridges and washed-out river valleys have left rescuers unable to reach the island’s more remote communities.

“With food, water, telecommunications and access cut off since 18 September, the situation in Dominica is growing more difficult every day,” Joel Millman of the International Organization for Migration told reporters this week.

Assistance has poured in from around the world, enabling authorities to distribute nearly 200,000 litres of water, along with 5,000 tarpaulins and 17 tons of high energy biscuits.

But more is needed, said Chamberlain Emmanuel of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States. “Whatever is coming is consumed quickly,” he said, pointing to the fact that almost every store on the island remains shuttered. “So they’re really at the mercy of aid.”